Key knowledge and skills required for LIS professionals in a digital era academic library in South Africa?

Knowledge and skills for the digital era academic library

J. Raju

Library and Information Studies Centre, University of Cape Town

This paper [in the J of Academic Librarianship] reports on a preliminary study which is part of a wider study aimed at developing a comprehensive skills statement which would provide an objective framework against which professional LIS practitioners in the modern academic library environment in South Africa may both measure their existing competencies and also identify the need for further skills acquisition. The research question guiding this preliminary investigation was: What key knowledge and skills are required for LIS professionals to effectively and efficiently practise in a digital era academic library in South Africa?

Some areas highlighted in the article:  

...emerging trend of research data management and curation; 

new job titles represent strong ICT elements; 

“significant technology skills set”; 

life skills such as communication and interpersonal skills, critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork; 

a capacity for continuous learning and who are adaptable in a fast changing work environment ; 

communication skills .. among the most highly ranked generic skills; 

team-based approaches are a common practice in digital projects and interpersonal skills are a key to success in team efforts”; 

capacity for continuous learning, flexibility, fostering change and the capacity to work independently;

enthusiasm and self-motivation; 

reflective thinking, and the ability to respond to others' needs; 

“adaptive skills to keep up with changes and challenges within library and information environments”; 

“…generic capabilities [which may include personal competencies] and discipline knowledge are quite significantly intertwined and interrelated and vital for success as a library and information professional in the twenty first century”